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by by Christine CrowleyEditor's Pick: Breaking with Tradition
There’s no place like home for the holidays. That is, unless the holidays find you home alone. Every year more and more seniors and young adults find themselves spending the holidays alone. At a time when families come together to catch up on the latest news, create lasting memories, and just enjoy each other’s company, untold numbers of singles (whether by divorce, death of a spouse or unmarried) will spend the holidays alone.
Those who will be spending the holidays (especially Thanksgiving and Christmas) with family members, can reach out to those who are alone and brighten their holidays with just a little effort. Doing one or more of the following ten suggestions can make a world of difference in someone’s life.
- Ask the singles in your workplace or church if they have any plans. Don’t assume they have somewhere to go for the holidays. If in the past you’ve had the same person(s) over for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, don’t assume they know they’re expected to come again this year. Talk to them and let them know you’re counting on them being there.
- Don’t wait till the last minute to invite them. Anticipation is half the fun! Plus it allows them to join in as others share their holiday plans, instead of just listening and wishing they had somewhere to go or someone to spend the holidays with.
- Ask if they’d like to bring something that’s always been part of their traditional holiday dinner. A simple holiday dish can make the meal complete for them and bring back precious memories.
- Allow them to participate in the usual holiday preparations. Have them over when you decorate the Christmas tree. Don’t forget to include them when you go looking at all the Christmas lights.
- Let them help with the holiday baking. Being involved in these arrangements allows them to enjoy a family setting.
- Find out if and when they’re going to decorate their place and go over to help them. If they‘re not decorating because it’s too much trouble, why not show up with some decorations and a tree and help them decorate? Don’t forget to bring some homemade cookies and Christmas music to help set the mood.
- Go and visit them. It’s great to have friends over, especially around the holidays. But your single friends may be afraid to invite you knowing how busy you are this time of year. Make some time to go over and spend it with them.
- Invite them to go shopping with you. Even fighting the holiday traffic and shoppers in the mall can be fun when you do it with someone else. Remember to get a little something for your single friend.
- Sit with your single friend during the special Christmas services if they attend church. For those who find themselves alone during the holidays, church can be a very lonely place.
- Be there for them with a listening ear and arms that embrace. Remember no matter how long they’ve been alone, holidays are still lonely times. It doesn’t get easier; they learn to adjust to it. Allow them to talk about their loneliness and encourage them as you can.
As you reach out to those who would have otherwise spent the holidays alone, not only have you brightened the holidays for them, but you will also find yours more meaningful.
Christine Crowley is a freelance writer and speaker who makes her home in Arizona. She teaches women's Bible studies, and serves on the women's council and missions committee in her local church.
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